Agricultural Production Operations: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for students seeking a comprehensive foundation in modern agricultural systems, this program prepares learners to manage and optimize crop and livestock production across diverse farming environments. It integrates scientific principles with practical techniques to cultivate expertise in sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced farming operations.
- Soil Science and Management: Study of soil composition, fertility, and conservation practices to enhance land productivity and environmental stewardship.
- Crop Production Systems: Exploration of planting strategies, crop rotation, and cultivation methods for major field and specialty crops.
- Livestock Production and Husbandry: Training in animal health, nutrition, breeding, and welfare standards across various livestock species.
- Agribusiness and Farm Economics: Analysis of market dynamics, cost control, financial planning, and business models specific to agricultural enterprises.
- Farm Technology and Equipment: Hands-on experience with precision agriculture tools, irrigation systems, and machinery operation and maintenance.
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Focus on environmentally responsible methods that balance productivity with long-term ecosystem health.
- Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards: Understanding of federal, state, and local regulations governing food safety, environmental protection, and worker safety in farming.
Agricultural Production Operations Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Agricultural Production Operations Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Agricultural Production Operations degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 44,140 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers 11-9013 | $87,980 | $51,700 - $156,530 | 5,910 | $42.30 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 45-1011 | $59,330 | $39,610 - $90,840 | 29,530 | $28.53 |
Agricultural Production Operations Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,140 in Arkansas to $103,760 in North Dakota—a 95% difference. The highest-paying states include North Dakota, Maryland, and Michigan. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 44,140 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Agricultural Production Operations by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Agricultural Production Operations programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Agricultural Production Operations is found at Ellsworth Community College (11 graduates), and Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 17 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellsworth Community College |
Associate's
|
11 | Iowa Falls, Iowa | Public | ecc.iavalley.edu |
| Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Ottumwa, Iowa | Public | indianhills.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Agricultural Production Operations programs
How much can I earn with a Agricultural Production Operations degree?
Salaries for Agricultural Production Operations graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,350. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in North Dakota average $103,760 compared to $53,140 in Arkansas. Approximately 44,140 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Agricultural Production Operations programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Agricultural Production Operations degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ellsworth Community College (11 graduates), Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Agricultural Production Operations growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 118 in 2010 to a peak of 24 in 2020, before declining slightly to 17 in 2023-24. This represents a 86% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Agricultural Production Operations degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 44,140 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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